Effects of heat treatment on elastic constants of Cedar (Cedrus libani) wood

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat treatment on the elastic constants of Cedar (Cedrus liba-ni) wood. Heat under atmospheric pressure at three different temperatures (150, 180 and 210 °C) and three differ-ent time levels (2, 5 and 8 hours) was applied to Cedar wood specimens and its Modulus of elasticity (EL, ER, ET) shear modulus (GLR, GLT, GRT) and Poisson’s ratios (νLR, νLT, νRL, νRT, νTL, νTR) were evaluated by compression tests conducted on 20 x 20 x 60 mm samples using bi-axial extensometer. It was observed that the modulus of elastici-ty, shear modulus, and compression strength of the tested specimens were significantly affected by the temperature and time parameters of the heat treatment. Treatment of heat for low temperatures and short periods yielded some increase in modulus of elasticity but an increase in time and temperature resulted in a significant decrease. Heat treatment has a devastating influence on the shear modulus. Poisson’s ratios were less sensitive to the heat treat-ment. Heat treatment significantly alters the modulus of elasticity, shear modulus and compression strength of Cedar wood.